Ryan Savard spent most of his life in the Lancaster, N.H., area before moving to Arizona for his senior year of high school. Soon after, he signed up for the Army, beginning his basic training on Sept. 11, 2001.

Jed Savard said the events of that day caused his brother to work harder out of determination to protect the country.

"He didn't want a desk job," Jed Savard said. "He wanted to be right in the middle of it, and he loved it."

Ryan Savard worked his way up to being a Green Beret. He was killed in action Friday during his fourth tour of duty overseas.

"I didn't believe it at first," his brother said.

Jed Savard said he and his six brothers and sisters were stunned, as was Ryan Savard's wife, who is at their home in Fort Bragg. The two have been married for nearly seven years.